angela merkel of germany saying in our time of ever lengthening life many people will be able to understand how the pope as well has to deal with the burdens of aging. the french president called the pope's decision to resign a courageous and exceptional decision and the british prime minister david cammeron said he will be missed as a spiritual leader to millions. we have also just heard from secretary of state john kerry releasing a statement which has just been sent to us, bill. it praised the pope as, quote: a voice of clarity and conviction and closed by saying we wish him peace and health and we will keep him in our prayers. bill? >> bill: thank you, jonathan. jonathan hunt in our newsroom tonight. as we mentioned, it is certain isly rare for a pope to resign it has happened 10 times in fact according to the oxford dictionary of popes. the list includes two other benedicts. can you see it dates back to the year 101 a.d. coming up, we'll look back at the pope's nearly 8 years as leader of the catholic church and possible successors. plus, shep is on his way to rome and will anchor "stu